Storing spare keys securely at home is vital to maintaining your property’s safety. While keeping an extra key might seem like a straightforward solution for those moments when you’re locked out, improper storage can lead to serious security risks. It’s essential to think beyond the typical hiding spots and consider more secure options to prevent unauthorized access to your home. At Anderson Lock and Safe, we are committed to helping you safeguard your home with practical and reliable key storage solutions.
Common Mistakes in Storing Spare Keys
Many homeowners choose convenience over security when storing spare keys. Unfortunately, the most obvious hiding spots are often the first places a potential intruder will check.
- Under the Doormat: This is perhaps the most predictable place to hide a spare key, and it’s one of the first spots any would-be intruder is likely to check. While it might be convenient, storing a key under your doormat is akin to leaving the door wide open.
- In a Fake Rock: Although they seem clever, store-bought fake rocks are not fooling anyone. These mass-produced items are easily recognizable and offer little in the way of security. Intruders are well aware of this tactic and can spot these decoys easily.
- Inside Plant Pots or Garden Ornaments: Hiding keys in plant pots, garden statues, or other outdoor decorations is another common practice that offers minimal security. These locations are often searched by intruders, making them unsafe choices for key storage.
Best Practices for Storing Spare Keys
Adopting more secure methods for storing your spare keys is crucial to avoid the risks associated with these common mistakes. Here are some effective strategies to keep your home safe:
- Use a Secure Key Safe or Lockbox: One of the most secure ways to store a spare key is by using a wall-mounted or portable key safe. These devices are locked with a combination code and can be discreetly placed on your property. Unlike hiding a key in a predictable spot, a key safe provides a controlled access point that only trusted individuals can use. Anderson Lock and Safe can help you choose and install the right key safe to meet your specific security needs.
- Install a Smart Lock with Temporary Access Codes: Smart locks are an excellent alternative to traditional key storage. These advanced locks allow you to control entry to your home using a PIN code, biometric scan, or smartphone app. With smart locks, you can generate temporary access codes for guests, service providers, or family members, eliminating the need for physical keys. This approach to security significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your home and enhances the security of your home.
- Leave a Spare House Key with a Trusted Friend or Neighbor: If you prefer to keep a physical spare key, consider leaving it with a neighbor or nearby family member. This method is secure as long as you choose someone you trust completely. It also provides a convenient way to access your home if you are locked out without compromising your property’s security.
- Hide a Key in an Unpredictable Location: If you must hide a key on your property, choose an unconventional spot that isn’t in plain sight. For example, hiding a key inside a weatherproof container and burying it in a discreet location could be a viable option. However, this should only be used as a last resort, with careful consideration to ensure the key remains secure and accessible only to those who need it.
- Use a Key Management System Inside the Home: A key management system inside the home can be invaluable for those with multiple keys to manage. Consider storing your spare keys in a locked drawer or a dedicated key cabinet. This approach keeps your keys organized and ensures unauthorized individuals are out of reach.
How Anderson Lock and Safe Can Help
At Anderson Lock and Safe, we offer a range of services to help you store your spare keys securely. Our team can assist with installing key safes or lockboxes, ensuring they are properly mounted and easy to use. Additionally, we provide smart lock installation services, helping you transition to a more secure, keyless entry system. For those looking to enhance their home security further, our experts can conduct a comprehensive security assessment to identify the best solutions tailored to your needs.
Get Reliable Residential Locksmith Help in Phoenix
Storing spare keys securely is a critical component of home security. You can protect your home from unauthorized access by avoiding common pitfalls and implementing the abovementioned strategies. Anderson Lock and Safe is here to assist you with the best key storage solutions, from key safes to smart locks, ensuring your home remains safe and secure. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your property.